A rare hatchling of the Indian Smooth Snake (Wallophis brachyura) has been rescued from Kanhe village in Pune’s Maval taluka, highlighting the biodiversity that survives despite rapid urbanisation.

Rare rescue

The non-venomous snake, measuring just 24 cm, was spotted after residents alerted wildlife rescuers. Pramod Owhal, vice-president of Wildlife Rescuer of Maval, and Social Worker Shashank Satkar safely rescued the reptile. Initially, rescuers suspected it was a cobra, Russell's viper, or rat snake, as the area is close to scrubland and a riverbank. Upon closer examination, they identified it as the elusive Indian Smooth Snake, a species rarely seen even by experienced snake rescuers.